House Dems Demand Action, Answers on PFAS as Legislature Returns to Lansing

265 days of Republican inaction on Democratic plan to address PFAS contamination

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

LANSING — House Democrats called on the Legislature today to take immediate action to strengthen PFAS water quality standards by passing legislation introduced in December of last year by state Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). Since PFAS was first discovered in private Michigan wells last year, 16 out of 83 counties have identified contaminated sites, with thousands of additional sites still being tested. At today’s press conference, Democrats also renewed their calls for hearings to provide answers to Michigan families as to why numerous reports on the dangers and locations of PFAS contamination were withheld from the public.

“Families across Michigan are living in a constant state of uncertainty about the safety of the water in their homes,” said House Democratic Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “That uncertainty is largely the result of continued inaction from Legislative Republicans who are more focused on giving wealthy polluters tax breaks than getting answers and accountability for Michigan families. Democrats are ready to pass legislation to clean up our water and get answers for Michigan families – we welcome Republicans to join us in this fight.”

Democratic legislation would strengthen Michigan drinking water regulations for perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOS and PFOA, which may increase the risk of cancer and thyroid disease. The legislation would lower the safe drinking water advisory threshold for PFOA and PFOS from 70 parts per trillion (ppt) combined to a 5 ppt limit each. Democrats also called for the Legislature to provide communities with alternative water supplies in cases of contamination instead of relying on impractical bottled water for washing, bathing and cooking.

“Access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right,” said Rep. Brinks. “My legislation will protect that right, and the families of our state, by strengthening the standards for our state’s water quality. With the health of every Michigander at stake, it is past time for the Legislature to take action.”

Since the introduction of Rep. Brinks’ legislation in December, House Democrats have repeatedly called on the chairman of the House Oversight Committee to hold hearings on PFAS contamination. Yet the Democrats’ calls for action on PFAS have gone unanswered by legislative Republicans.

“I am frustrated and deeply troubled that we have yet to hold a hearing on PFAS contamination of our water,” said state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Democratic vice chair of the House Oversight Committee. “In my backyard, contamination at Lake St. Clair puts our community and our health at risk while leaving us with unanswered questions. Families in my community, and in communities across the state, deserve to know why important information was hidden for years while our health and safety was put at risk.”

Additional information about PFAS and the House Democrats’ Action Plan can be found here.

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